Matthew Thompson's Blog (Page 2)

Now that we’re into the fourth steamy week of August, I can honestly say I’m ready for autumn. But I don’t want to bid summer goodbye without giving it a good send-off. That’s why I’m psyched to have a Labor Day bash next weekend. It’s a great opportunity to get all of the grilling, pool partying and lawn game playing out of my system before the onset of soup-and-sweater season.

But, while grilling burgers and dogs is pretty much mandatory, there’s a whole range of options for snacks. Here’s where I keep it simple, to maximize my Frisbee time: instead of fussing over apps, I’m just going to whip up a few simple chips & dips. And while some people would just buy a jar at the supermarket and crack it open, making your own dips couldn’t be easier! That way you know what’s going into...

Summer is great for getting outside and enjoying the warm weather and seemingly endless evenings with friends. It’s the perfect time of year for a backyard potluck. But things can get tricky when it comes to figuring out what food to bring to a get-together. If everyone followed their first instinct—or at least my first instinct—you’d end up with a party full of salads and nothing else. Party foul.

Consider whipping up one of these delicious summer casseroles instead. They’re quick to put together, packed with fresh seasonal veggies, great to make ahead (some are even freezable if you want to keep them on hand for future soirees) and sure-fire crowd-pleasers. Party on!

Like a great many people, I was disheartened to learn that the price of food will be on the rise over the next year. According to a statement made by the U.S. government (and widely quoted in articles in TheNew York Times, Yahoo! and other sources), the prices of a great many grocery store staples are predicted to increase by 4 to 5 percent over the next year. That might not seem like much, but as any family on a budget can tell you, those little markups at the supermarket can really accumulate. So, I’ve been thinking a lot about ways to offset these rising costs.

Taking off on a road trip seems like an essential part of summer. According to a recent study, over 140 million Americans are planning to travel this summer—with 69% opting to go via car. That’s a lot! I have at least two car trips planned for this summer—and I couldn’t be more excited.

But one thing I’m not psyched about: the terrible snack options at convenience stores and gas stations. Who wants to fill up on chips filled with who-knows-what, day-old pastries or nuts coated in sugary gunk? Not me.

Instead, I’m packing my own snacks this year. That way I know they’ll all be fresh, made from wholesome ingredients, cheaper and better for me than the usual crud you find along the road. And I have some great EatingWell recipes to rely on in making them. While a whole host of foods can make for great car...

There are certain things I will never understand in this world: the rules of cricket, how fish reproduce, quantum harmonic oscillation…and people who don’t like pickles. That last one is probably the hardest for me to grasp, however.

Because: come on, pickles taste amazing! Snap into a perfectly crisp gherkin that’s sopped up plenty of gleeky vinegar, fresh herbs and just a hint of salt and tell me you’re not in briny heaven. Sneak a dill spear into your next burger and tell me it’s not tangily enhanced.